Friday, April 12
This is the 500th post of “rvsue and her canine crew.”
“Well, Rusty. Time to go. I’ll see you in a few days.”
We hug goodbye and I climb into the driver’s seat of the Perfect Tow Vehicle. The crew sits on the bench seat behind me.
I turn the ignition key and Timber realizes we’re leaving.
He jumps and pulls on his leash and whines as if to plead, “Don’t go!” I wish I could tell him he will see Spike and Bridget again soon.
The day is clear and windless, perfect for towing.
We head west on Highway 169 to Prescott Valley. Never knowing for sure how long we will stay at a new camp, I always try to arrive there well prepared for a long stay. First stop is Safeway. In addition to groceries, I buy ten gallons of drinking water from a vending machine.
Next is Many Trails RV where I recently had the toilet flush pedal fixed and the power cord outlet moved to the bumper. It’s on the way.
The PTV needs new wiper blades.
The service guy goes in the back to see if he has the right blades in stock.
“No, I’m sorry, we don’t have them. We tend to work mostly on big RVs. You can get those blades at an Auto Zone. They’ll probably put them on for you.” Then he adds with a laugh, “It never rains in Arizona anyway!”
Since I try to stay in good weather, I can’t remember the last time I drove in rain.
While at Many Trails RV I buy 4.4 gallons of propane for $13.75 ($1.21 sales tax). I empty the waste tanks and fill up the fresh water tank. I put my trash in their dumpster. Gee, this is a handy place.
Many Trails RV lets anyone from the public use these facilities, 24/7.
I take Glassford Hill Road and turn left onto Highway 89A. Say what you will about highway cameras, they do keep people from driving like idiots. It’s a stress-free drive over to Highway 89 which takes us northward through grassy, tan fields with mountains beyond.
Grassy fields of central Arizona
I stop and fill up the gas tank — 21.7 gallons @ $3.67 a gallon ($79.78).
It’s a good feeling when all these tasks are completed.
The crew and I set up camp in the Prescott National Forest north of Chino Valley and Prescott, near Drake. Rusty drew me a map to this place. This was his last camp before joining me at Juniper Hill.
Late afternoon at Camp Drake. Bridget hides from the camera under the BLT.
I’ve stayed in the Prescott area for a reason.
Rusty has some exciting news!
Rusty and Timber may very well be settled into a regular house soon! Rusty is at the top of the list with the VA for a HUD home in the Prescott area. He has made it clear to the lady VA rep that he will not be separated from Timber, that Timber is a high-energy dog that needs room to run, and that the best option is a home with a fenced yard.
Of course, moving to a permanent residence in a neighborhood is a huge change for Rusty.
Some of my readers will identify with the adjustment it takes to give up the full-time vagabond lifestyle. While we were neighbors at Juniper Hill, Rusty struggled with the decision. One day he was happy about the change, the next day he was dead-set against it. Back and forth, his mind weighing the pros and cons. He lost sleep. At times I thought he was going to chuck the idea and stay on the road. That’s why I haven’t written about this until now.
Our first sunset at Camp Drake, Prescott National Forest
It looks like Rusty and Timber will have a house soon!
A voucher needs to arrive which may happen within the next few weeks. On Monday, after meeting with the VA lady, Rusty and Timber will join us here at what I’ve dubbed Camp Drake.
I slowed our travels this spring not only because of weather.
I wanted to be with Rusty during this transition. After many years walking the West with donkeys followed by a time of living in his truck, this is a big challenge. I’m hopeful Rusty and Timber will soon enjoy the comforts and routines of living in a regular house.
Rusty talks about planting a vegetable garden, cooking his favorite dishes, having a TV, and sleeping in a big bed. I’m sure those of you who’ve developed an affection for Rusty and Timber are as excited as I am as this new chapter opens in their lives!
“Gotcha’ Bridget! Good morning, little girl.”
rvsue
Note: This post is so long, I’ve postponed the Canine Corner for another time. I know several of you would rather hear from the crew than from me. I promise Bridget and Spike will have their say soon!
rvsue and her canine crew 